Cafés & Bars in the City Centre of Amsterdam

Amsterdam offers a wide variety of cafés, bars and pubs. There is a café, bar or pub for every type of traveller, business and pleasure. There are the traditional “brown cafés”, but also contemporary style cocktail bars and lounge bars and everything in between. These are our recommendations for cafés, bars and pubs in the city centre of Amsterdam.

A warm and characteristic bar, overlooking the historic Nieuwmarkt square, on the edge of the Red Light district. The bar has a cosy and easy-going atmosphere and a very friendly staff. The interior exists of dark wood fixtures, soft lighting, and mosaics of the 16th century. The outside terrace offers a good view of the Nieuwmarkt square and is a great spot for people-watching.

The clientèle is mostly a mix of regulars, young Dutch professionals, and English-speaking expats.

With a 1950's Cuban style vibe, this café is ideal to experience a 'holiday feel'. With a delicious Mojito or Cuba Libre in your hand and some salsa music to please your ears, it is easy to pretend you are in Cuba. In summer there is a terrace with a view on the Nieuwmarkt Square, a good spot for enjoying the sun and people-watching.

The decor is made up of an atmospheric mural in earthy colours, rusty-brown tiles on the floor, wicker chairs, lots of wood and big ceiling fans. Very crowded on Friday and Saturday night.

This two-story café is situated on the corner of the lively and diverse Utrechtsestraat and the beautiful Keizersgracht canal. With a terrace on the South, you can enjoy the sun here. Café Van Leeuwen offers breakfast, lunch and a basic diner menu.

Café Van Leeuwen is a melting pot of locals, students and people who happen to pass by. Every Sunday from 17.00 to 20.00 Café Van Leeuwen offers Jazz performances. Located within walking distance from the Rembrandt Square.

Located on the first floor at the Rembrandt Square. The interior is a blend of different styles. The antique decorations, Louis XVI furniture and an English library bar give Café De Kroon a distinct atmosphere. De Kroon has a unique ambiance and a great view on Rembrandts Square from the sun room.

De Kroon offers a coffee in the morning, lunch and/or a drink in the afternoon, dinner in the evening and on Thursday, Friday and Saturday a dance with the resident's DJ's, later at night.

Located in a picturesque alley, between Nes, the Oudezijds Voorburgwal and the Grimburgwal, right in the heart of Amsterdam. The characterful premises encompass a cosy bar area and an adjoining restaurant with a glass roof. When the weather allows it the roof of the beautiful wintergarden can be opened. In summer there is also a terrace in the alley.

Don't forget to order the delicious Dutch bitterballen with your drink, just try them, you will like them. The clientèle is mostly a mix of locals and young Dutch professionals.

Enjoy a delicious vodka cocktail or a Extra Cold Beer at a temperature of -10 degrees Celsius. Everything is made of ice: the walls, bar, stools and even the glasses. Before entering each visitor receives special thermal clothing and gloves. The Ice Bar will be completely redecorated every year.

After a drink the 20 minute show begins, a 3D movie specially made for the Ice Bar Amsterdam. You imagine yourself on a journey over icebergs and along steep cliffs in a fantasy ice landscape.

Do you miss a café or bar that you think deserves a spot in Amsterdam Travel Guide's Cafés & Bars section? Send us the name of the café or bar - together with your motivation why we should include the café or bar on Amsterdam Travel Guide - via our contact form.